On October 26, 1990, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N5058J) operated by Mark L. Bode was involved in an aviation accident near Belen, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT MISJUDGED THE AIRCRAFT'S ALTITUDE (GROUND CLEARANCE) ABOVE THE DESERT TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft practicing aerobatics crashed on flat desert terrain east of a large gully. The initial impact was on a heading of 087 degrees, with landing gear pieces found in a 6-inch depression. No preimpact mechanical problem was found.
Accident Details
The purpose of the flight was to practice aerobatics. During the flight, the aircraft crashed on relatively flat desert terrain, just to the east of a large gully. The initial impact occurred on a heading of 087 degrees. Investigators found pieces of the landing gear in the initial impact depression, which was 6 inches deep.
Wreckage Distribution
Approximately 15 feet south of the initial impact point, a scar was found containing the right wingtip cap. The left wingtip cap was located about 18 feet northeast of the initial impact point. The main wreckage came to rest 71 feet east of the initial impact point on a slight rise in the terrain.
Propeller Examination
One propeller blade was distorted with an 'S' curve, and the other blade was partially melted. No preimpact mechanical problem was found during the examination of the wreckage.